Role of the pharmacist in diabetes management

The role of pharmacists in diabetes management, including patient identification, assessment, education, referral, and monitoring, is described. Pharmacists can help identify patients with diabetes through screening and should target patients at high risk, people with a family history of the disease, and women with a history of gestational diabetes or who delivered a baby weighing more than nine pounds. Patient education should be provided immediately after diagnosis, at a second stage at which time a patient assessment can be performed, and at a third stage during which patients can receive continuing education to reinforce concepts and a motivational boost. One of the pharmacist's most important roles is the referral of patients to other members of the diabetes care team. Although the role of the pharmacist in monitoring diabetes is not well defined, it might include such things as ascertaining whether physician visits and testing to assess long-term glycemic control. Obtaining certification as a diabetes educator is recommended. This process requires at least 1000 hours of experience in providing disease-state management for patients with diabetes and successful completion of an examination. Implementing diabetes management services requires a commitment of time, effort, and resources and may necessitate training of staff and changes in work patterns. The pharmacist can play an important role in diabetes care by screening patients at high risk for diabetes, assessing patient health status and adherence to standards of care, educating patients to empower them to care for themselves, referring patients to other health care professionals as appropriate, and monitoring outcomes. Providing diabetes management services requires market savvy, communication skills, and a commitment of time, effort, and resources. Pharmacists who obtain training in diabetes management reap rewards in professional satisfaction and financial reimbursement.